Key to Affordable Energy Prices Being Overlooked
15 March 2022: Key to Affordable Energy Prices Being Overlooked
Solar Citizens is this morning calling for more government support for cost-cutting clean technology, like household solar and battery storage, in response to the Australian Energy Regulator’s draft Default Market Offer.
The new guideline for electricity prices shows that households are set to be slugged with increases between 20-30 per cent over the coming financial year.
“Power bills are spiralling out of control in NSW, but so far neither major political party has announced the policy solutions needed to equitably bring down power bills in the long term,” said Heidi Lee Douglas, National Director of Solar Citizens.
“We know that rooftop solar provides the cheapest possible electricity to customers, but right now there are very limited state government incentives in place to help more households access affordable solar energy.
“In the ACT the State Government is offering no-interest loans to help households reduce their emissions and electricity prices at the same time by investing in solar, battery storage, energy efficiency upgrades and efficient electric appliances.
“With global coal and gas prices likely to stay high for some time to come, it’s imperative that households be given access to the technology solutions that will provide long-term savings.
“This is a key moment to also provide targeted support to help the third of Australians who rent or live in social housing to access solar energy and energy efficiency upgrades.
“We can make our energy system fairer and bring down power bills for some of the most vulnerable in the community by providing solar for rental rebates and implementing minimum energy efficiency standards for existing rental properties.”
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Media contact:
Heidi Lee Douglas, National Director (0401 092 570)
